sacred BIRTH

PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER + DOULA TRAINING

85 HOUR PYTT + DOULA CERTIFICATION

Yoga and holistic birth support are potent therapeutic tools to empower the birthing journey from pregnancy to parenthood. This internationally recognized training program will ignite your journey to support healing and transformation during pregnancy and beyond. Sacred Birth focuses on nurturing conscious pregnancy and parenthood while addressing the medical, political and spiritual considerations of birthing.

Sacred Birth, Doula and Prenatal Yoga Training is an 85+ hour dual certificate training. This training equips yoga teachers with tools to empower and support pregnant women throughout their pregnancies and labor.

We encourage participants to explore and awaken to the radically healing potential of yoga and holistic birth support as therapeutic tools to empower the birthing journey from pregnancy to motherhood. After the completion of this course, yoga teachers will feel confident accommodating pregnant women in their regular classes, as well as be equipped to teach prenatal, couples workshops and postnatal yoga classes.

THIS TRAINING IS RECOMMENDED FOR:

Our program is holistically designed for those who are interested in learning a mind-body approach to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting preparation with a therapeutic focus.

• Yogis interested in learning about women’s health, pregnancy and conscious birthing• Yoga teachers seeking to develop a niche in prenatal yoga and to deepen their facilitation and community building skills• Educators, counselors, midwives, healthcare professionals and women interested in expanding their knowledge in reproductive health and women-centered yoga practice

yoga + sacred birth

goals of this Course

• Teach prenatal yoga therapeutically to support a healthy pregnancy and birth• Learn how to safely modify postures for pregnancy, with knowledge of modifications, contraindicated and beneficial postures for each trimester• Understand anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, including western and eastern perspectives and the effects of pregnancy on the body, mind and spirit• Gain a thorough understanding of birthing and pregnancy• Learn skills that are immediately applicable to all of your classes• Be mentored by a team of experienced and passionate teachers who are leaders in the field• Explore the landscape of Birth in all its realms: physiological, psychological, sociological, historical, political and spiritual• Acquire knowledge and tools to heal your own birthing stories• Discover your authentic teaching voice and uncover the unique gifts that you have to offer through class exercise, the use of imagery, sequencing, birth art and facilitator support• Encourage the harmonization of hormones and energy levels using yogic wisdom• Design skillful sequencing, positions for labour, asana for childbirth preparation and postnatal recommendations for recovery• Integrate all aspects of the practice: asana, breath work (pranayama), vocal toning (mantra), relaxation, working with themes, massage and pain reduction techniques to help create a more positive and relaxed birthing experience• Come to an embodied understanding of our innate wisdom and the miracle of birth

All women are welcome, including the pregnant and postpartum. Babies in arms are welcome too!

PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING topics covered

• The stages of pregnancy and effects on body and mind• The physiology of pregnancy and childbirth• Pregnancy and childbirth as a journey• Deconstructing and transforming our relationship to pain• The benefits of prenatal and postnatal yoga• Modifications, contraindications and beneficial asanas for each trimester• Postures to support a healthy pregnancy• Sequencing and class themes• Hands-on assisting in prenatal yoga• Pranayama and sound techniques• Relaxation and visualization for childbirth preparation and support of the birth experience• Integrating mindfulness and cultivating awareness in your classes• Incorporating imagery into cueing for breathwork and asana• Massage, birthing techniques and laboring positions using yoga• Postnatal yoga for healing and beneficial asanas to support the body after childbirth• Simple infant massage and infant stimulation routine• How to create a supportive community in your class environment

DOULA CERTIFICATION

We’ve combined doula training into the program to provide a well-rounded knowledge base and approach to yoga teaching. Whether you choose to attend births or not, the knowledge, training, and hands-on experience gained from this portion will be invaluable to being able to fully support pregnant women and their families. In the 18 hours dedicated to this topic, you will deepen your knowledge of the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of pregnancy, birth, and the early parenting experience so you will feel prepared to answer common questions accurately and knowledgeably.

DOULA CERTIFICATION topics covered

• Role of the Doula• Emotional, physical, and informational support of women and families in the prenatal period, at birth, and in the early postpartum period• Involving support people• Comfort measures• Common interventions and medications• How to become a Certified Doula with Awakened Spirit• Scope of practice and Code of Ethics• Interprofessional relationships• How to build a Doula business

in this course you will

• Receive an internationally recognized certification in yoga teaching and leadership• Open and close your journey with a traditional Mayan Fire Ceremony• Learn the fundamentals of our holistic and interdisciplinary approach to yoga• Visit successful permaculture projects and learn from local wisdom keepers• Discover the resources, inspiration, and community support you are seeking to create sustainable change• Nourish your mind, body and spirit through daily yoga, meditation and living in harmony with the earth• Return home with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, expanded community and heartfelt inspiration

what’s unique about our approach

With deep roots in Northern India, our approach blends traditional Hatha, Vinyasa and the fundamentals of therapeutic yoga to support individuals in leading joyful, empowered lives. Our alignment-based system incorporates mindfulness and traditional yogic wisdom with a modern understanding of the body. We believe yoga is for all people and create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for you to discover your own potential. Our curriculum is developed around the three pillars of Mind, Body & Earth, believing that they are essential, interconnected aspects of the yogic path.

R-PYT ELIGIBILITY

To gain Yoga Alliance certification as RPYT, a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is required. Others can participate but will not be eligible for registration as a Prenatal Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.

PARTICIPANTS ALSO REQUIRE

• A minimum of 75-contact hours with Julia Forest (the training meets this requirement)• 10 observation hours observing or assisting classes in your community• Successful completion of teaching practicum with support of Julia, teaching team and peers• 10 hours of homework readings to be completed after the course (this will be assigned in class)

Awakened Spirit Yoga is a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS 200) and one of the few Registered Prenatal Yoga Schools (RPYS). We offer an 85-hour prenatal training as well as a combined prenatal yoga training and doula course. Intimate classes allow our dedicated team of teachers to provide personal attention, expert guidance and personal feedback throughout our trainings.

Graduates of both of our programs are eligible for Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT) designation with Yoga Alliance.

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WhaT YOu'll love about LAKE ATITLáN

San Marcos la Laguna is a small Mayan village on Lake Atitlán in the western highlands of Guatemala. It has become a Mecca for international travellers attracted by its beauty, tranquility and diverse options for spiritual exploration and therapy. Terraced into the side of a cliff, The Yoga Forest is a twenty five minute hike up into the valley from Lake Atitlán. To escape to our lush tropical food forest please travel to us with a backpack, organic soaps, a head torch and a spirit of adventure.

The Yoga Forest is a sacred sanctuary with ancient Mayan altars and natural springs that have been protected as a Natural Reserve in order to honour the land and the heritage of its people. Take your time here to connect to Mother Earth and create space for transformation and self healing while enjoying the peace and tranquility of mountains looking out over the lake towards volcanoes San Pedro, Toliman and Atitlán. This is a unique retreat space within a tropical forest with amazing views, comfortable beds, delicious vegetarian meals, daily yoga and meditation and friendly community living.

The shared cabañas at The Yoga Forest accommodate four people, in large single beds. Using natural building techniques, the cabañas are constructed with either bamboo or cypress, palm roof and natural adobe walls or traditional bahareque (wattle and daub) of this area. The beds are comfortable, with warm feather duvets and pillows, and decorated with Peruvian Shipibo fabrics and Guatemalan Cushions. All circus tents come with a comfortable mattress, feather duvets, blankets and cushions to keep you warm and cozy, all within beautiful natural forest surroundings.

registration process

step 1: fill out the registration form

step 2: secure your booking

Once your deposit has been made we will notify you by email that your place in the course is secure. Deposit is non-refundable upon acceptance in the program. Contact us for Bank Transfer or PayPal information if you would prefer.

step 3: pay for room & board

Upon successful registration in this program you will also need to reserve your choice of accommodation. Accommodation options include room and board (3 organic vegetarian meals per day), with lodging ranging from $375–$425 USD.

What Students Are Saying

Thorough…

“Julia is a fantastic teacher. She created a warm and community-like environment. I learned many skills and tools that I will use in my yoga classes, in my life and perhaps in my own pregnancy. I especially found learning her mindfulness and awareness based approach very valuable. This course is very thorough and addressed the various aspects of pregnancy: physiological, anatomical, psychological and spiritual. I highly recommend this course!"

— ML, Canada

Well designed…

“Awakened Spirit offers a well designed and presented training. Julia is incredibly knowledgeable and brings forth her expertise and experience in a thoughtful and nurturing way. I liked learning the changes that occur in each stage of pregnancy. In this course I discovered the value of living the life I want to live now, discovered my unique gifts that I have to offer to my students and how mindfulness brings about a deeper way of living an authentic life. ”

— NF, New Zealand

Authentic care…

“Julia really cared about our personal growth as teachers. The environment that she created gave a feeling of community and intimacy that created a perfect foundation for our exploration of prenatal yoga. With years of experience as a yogi, yoga teacher, doula and prenatal teacher, Julia brings lots of knowledge and authentic care for each participant. She draws upon her real-life experience. I have learned more than I ever expected and feel so grateful for that.”

Awakened Spirit is a global collective of activated, empowered yogis. We collaborate with like minds to ignite radical innovation and positive change in our communities. We offer retreats and immersions around the globe with a holistic focus on yogic philosophy, earth care, and heart-centered leadership.